Whitewater Raft Trips

Whitewater rafting has been gaining in popularity for many years now -- and for good reason. It′s a BLAST!! There are a wide range of difficulty levels of trips that allow outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels to enjoy this sport. We offer rafting trips that range from beginner to intermediate that run on different rivers at different times of the year. To help sort out some of the possibilities, the following table divides our trips by Skill Level (left column) and Season (right column). To get additional information on any trip, just click on the name of the trip. The River Class Rating is given for each trip. Check out what to wear while rafting and FAQ page as well.

Raft Trips at a Glance

March 14, 2009 through May 15, 2009
This full day 10.4 mile Class III/IV raft trip flows through the beautiful wilderness of NE Tennessee in the heart of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The trip meets near Oneida, TN, but the real action begins after the confluence of the Clear Fork and the New Rivers. A number of Class III rapids get the 'warmed up' for the "BIG THREE" -- Double Falls, Washing Machine and The Ell -- all Class IV rapids and all 100 yards from each other. In addition to the "BIG THREE", there are many more Class III rapids to whet your appetite (and your raft). After a river-side lunch, the trip continues through the Big South Fork Canyon.

$85/person; Minimum age: 13

March 14, 2009 through May 15, 2009
This ½ day trip through the canyon section of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is a great introduction to whitewater rafting. You will scarcely find the time to admire the beauty of the canyon as you travel the first mile of nearly continuous Class III rapids. Things slow down a bit after that, but don′t get too complacent, there are plenty of rapids to distract you from the scenery. The trip runs in the afternoon and meets near Oneida, TN.

$50/person; Minimum age: 7 (water conditions permitting)

May 16, 2009 through September 27, 2009
This all day adventure is ideal for family outings, beginners and people who want to get wet in the heat of the summer. The trip starts at the Outfitters and then "puts-in" just below Cumberland Falls. After a view of the falls (from the bottom!), the trip heads downstream, encountering Class III rapids with names like Center Rock and Surfing Rapid. After the 5 miles of rapids, we will have some method to get you out depending on the 2009 lake levels. The method may also change depending on river water levels! For most of 2008, we hiked small motors in to just below the last Class III, and then did a motorized raft ride to the take-out. We are expecting the 2009 lake levels to be similar to 2008. In any case, lunch is included!

Click here for updates on how the changes in Lake Cumberland lake level will affect this trip.

Non-premium days: $62/adult (ages 13+); $55/child (ages 6-12);
Premium days: $65/adult (ages 13+); $60/child (ages 6-12);
Minimum age: 6. Must weigh at least 40 lbs.
Premium days are Saturdays from June 1 to August 31 and Sundays of Memorial and Labor Day weekends.

For those looking for a little more excitement, we have duckies available! Duckies are inflatable boats, like the rafts, but they are much smaller and hold 2 people (no guide). The Duckies are a great way for people that want a more independent experience to enjoy themselves. You go down the river with the raft trip (we′ll help pick up the pieces at the bottom of the rapid if you flip), but it′s up to you to get the duck down the river safely. It definitely adds a level of excitement to the trip! Not available at all water levels. We have a limited number of duckies; please request at time of reservation. No additional charge. Minimum age varies with water levels.

First 4 full weekends in October (October , 13-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25), 2009
This 2 ½ mile section of the Russell Fork River is ideal for those on a tight time schedule or that want a quick whitewater "booster shot". These rapids feature "scaled- down" versions of the technical drops found in upper sections of the river (see Russell Fork Fun Run). The trip features several Class II-III rapids and finishes with a scenic float into Elkhorn City, KY.

$40/person; minimum age: 10. Minimum height/weight: 4-feet/90 pounds

First 4 full weekends in October (October 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25), 2009
This half-day raft on the Russell Fork River meets near Breaks Interstate Park, close to Elkhorn City, KY, but the real action starts at Flanagan Dam where the river literally roars out of the mountain side - a spectacular start! The first part of the trip is slower - allowing the guides time to "tune" their boats and allowing paddlers time to admire the views within the 1000 foot gorge formed by the river. Don′t get too distracted because the Class III and IV rapids downstream include pushy water, steep drops and narrow passages (all classic Russell Fork attributes). The take-out is at Garden Hole - an adventure in itself.

$50/person; minimum age: 12

Sheltowee Trace Outfitters P.O. Box 1060 Whitley City, KY 42653 1-800-541-RAFT (7238) fax: 1-866-FAX-RAFT (866-329-7238) e-mail: funky-rafting.com www.ky-rafting.com